Classic car shipping to the UK

Older cars get a plan of their own. We are car people, and we ship them the way we would want ours shipped.

Colourful vintage cars parked in a row

Planned around the car

Classics come in every shape, size and condition, so we start by finding out about yours: what it is, whether it runs, and anything that needs special handling.

From there we choose the carrier, the route and the collection and delivery dates that suit you. Enclosed transport to the port is available, and for a valuable car it is what we would recommend.

Covered the whole way

A classic is an investment as much as a car. Our marine insurance covers it against damage and total loss in transit, so you are not relying on luck.

Landing in the UK

We unload at our own site with the same care that went into loading it. If the car is 30 years old or more, it may qualify for the reduced 5% rate of import VAT, and we will check that when we clear it through customs.

We also know historic registrations well, so if you want it on UK plates we can source any extra paperwork the DVLA asks for.

Questions people ask

Do classic cars pay less import tax?

Yes. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% import VAT and no duty.

Does a classic need an MOT after import?

Cars over 40 years old do not need an MOT. Cars between 10 and 40 years old take an MOT, usually with a rear fog light added.

Can you collect a classic in an enclosed trailer?

Yes. Enclosed transport to the port is available, and for a valuable car it is what we would recommend.

Is a classic insured in transit?

It can be. Our marine insurance covers the car against damage and total loss in transit, up to its full value.

Read next

Shipping is half the job

Then My Car Import puts it on UK plates.

Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so when the container is unloaded the car is already where it needs to be. It goes straight into testing and registration on the same site, with no extra transport and no waiting for a test slot somewhere else.

  • One of only seven privately operated IVA centres in Great Britain
  • The only privately owned MSVA test centre in Great Britain
  • A dealer-level DVLA account, so we register imported cars within 10 working days
  • In-house conversions and test preparation, from lights to speedos

Tell us about your car

Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will price the whole import, from collection abroad to UK registration with My Car Import, not just the boat.

Free and no obligation. A real person writes every quote.

Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442

Get a quote